Ian Hawkey

Pele, Best, and Maradona everyone has heard of, but to the true soccer fans Alfredo Di Stefano, the magician behind Real Madrid's five European Cups in a row, is the greatest. For 20 years, Di St�fano was the guiding force behind three teams in three countries: at River Plate in his native Argentina; at Millonarios of Bogot� in Colombia; and then in 1953, Real Madrid. There he became soccer's first global icon, nicknamed the striking "Blond Arrow" for his powerful stamina, tactical versatility, and precision goal scoring. He led Madrid as a team whose playing style others learned from, whose stylishness was envied, and whose widespread appreciation elsewhere help portray Franco's isolated and right-wing Spain in a more flattering light. When he retired, Di Stefano had changed Spain as a nation, culturally and politically. This is his story, including candid and exclusive interviews highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to emerging as one of the first global sport superstars.

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